Chennai | April 1, 2026
In a landmark move set to redefine the global creative landscape, IMAGE Infotainment Limited (IMAGE Group of Companies) has announced the launch of “The GIANT Hunt” — a first-of-its-kind international anime and manga art contest, coupled with an official attempt to enter the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest anime art competition.
The ambitious initiative signals India’s growing influence in global creative industries, aiming to unite artists, students, and anime enthusiasts from across the world on a single platform.
₹3 Crore Prize Pool Sets Global Benchmark
With a staggering ₹3 crore prize pool, The GIANT Hunt is being positioned as the largest-ever anime art contest globally in terms of rewards. The competition promises not just recognition but life-changing opportunities, including:
- A 2BHK home for the best overall artwork
- Cars, motorcycles, gold coins, and PlayStation consoles across categories
- All-expenses-paid trip to Japan for nine winners from India
Additionally, participants will receive official participation recognition from Guinness World Records, subject to the successful record attempt. Early registrants from India will also benefit from e-vouchers redeemable at LEGO Certified Stores.
Global Platform for All Age Groups
Open to participants aged 8 years and above, the contest is divided into three categories:
- 8–15 years
- 16–24 years
- 25+ years
The competition will be conducted entirely online, accepting both hand-drawn and digital artwork, while strictly prohibiting AI-generated or AI-assisted submissions — reinforcing its commitment to authentic human creativity.
Registrations and submissions are open from April 1 to June 30, 2026, with results expected by end of July. Winners will be honoured at The GIANT Hunt Anime Festival 2026, scheduled to take place in Chennai on August 8–9, 2026.
Learning Meets Opportunity
Beyond competition, the initiative emphasizes accessibility and skill-building through:
- 50+ hours of guided tutorials
- Multilingual learning content
This inclusive approach aims to empower beginners while maintaining global standards of excellence.
International Jury Ensures Global Standards
The contest will be judged by a prestigious international panel featuring leading names from Japan, the USA, and India’s animation ecosystem. Notable jury members include:
- Hiroshi Takane
- Tomoyuki Arima
- Fumio Iida
- Lē Yamamura
- Kofi Bazzell-Smith
- Anil NM Wanvari
- Nina Sabnani
- Tehzeeb Khurana
A Cultural Statement Beyond Competition
Speaking at the launch, K. Kumar, Founder & CEO of IMAGE Group, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative — to create a global movement that celebrates human imagination in an AI-driven era.
“The GIANT Hunt is not just about finding winners — it is about building the world’s largest stage for human creativity,” he stated, emphasizing the platform’s role in discovering and showcasing talent at an unprecedented scale.
India’s Creative Leap onto the Global Stage
More than just a contest, The GIANT Hunt represents India’s bold attempt to establish itself as a global hub for anime and digital art culture. With expected participation from multiple countries, the initiative is poised to set new benchmarks in scale, inclusivity, and creative excellence.
As the world watches, India is not just hosting a contest — it is crafting what could become the largest anime art movement in history.
